pen n' paper blog

Why are leaving reviews so important? For one thing, it helps build credibility for your author. An author can talk up their book, but it helps when readers can vouch to other readers how good the book really is. And word of mouth still works; so when one person said the book was good, other people will want to read it, and they'll buy it.

In this blog post, I'm going to share with you some great ways on where you can leave a review for your fave author as well as how to leave reviews that will be noteworthy to not only other readers, but to book critics and other important people that can help feed your author.

WHERE CAN YOU LEAVE BOOK REVIEWS?Go to their website or blog. If the author has a blog or website, which most of them do, leave one on there. If they have a comment or review link, share your testimonial. Leave your name or email and ask to be added to their email list, so that you can be among the first to receive free stuff (like eBooks) or previews to their new pieces of work.

Online bookstores. Most books are published on places like Barnes & Noble or Amazon. And they has various lists, that your authors would love to be in the top 10 of. The more traffic a book gets, the more notoriety it receives, which pushes the book up the line to get more engagement. Some authors have previews on these sites, so leave a review there as well as when the book hits the store; leave another review there, too.

Goodreads. If your author isn't on Goodreads, suggest it to them. There are many groups on Goodreads, and there is a way to suggest a book to others as well as a book list for people to add books that they plan to read. This builds credibility and gets other readers to take notice of your author's book.

Book fair videos. Whuh? Yeah, have you ever been to a book fair, and saw your fave author in the flesh? Get out your iPhone and record a video right there on the spot with them, telling the whole wide world that you met your fave author and how much you loved their book. You've just done an awesome review that can go viral. This adds a personal touch when you chat it up with your author face-to-face before a new readership online.

Your local book clubs. Local clubs are always looking for new good stuff to read. Suggest books by sharing with them things to say on their social media group pages, and when you go to your meetings. These aren't exactly "written" reviews, but remember, word of mouth still brings in the bucks.

Social media. There's nothing like it. Twitter and Facebook are the social hubs that people respect. Tweet and hashtag your fave author by saying something really cool and profound about the book. Get on Facebook and leave a review on their page. People still read that stuff.

HOW SHOULD YOU LEAVE A REVIEW?This has been one pet peeve of mine; people not knowing how to leave a review. It's more than just saying the book is great. You want to intrigue other people to actually read the book, too. Here are a few tips on how to leave a book review for your favorite author:• Give stars even if the review platform you're using doesn't have any. Rating the book speaks volumes to people who are looking for something new and good to read. This is especially important for new authors who haven't developed a following yet.• Express an emotion on how this book made you feel. Readers are normally looking for entertainment when they read. Some may look to be educated or empowered. This appeals to their emotions, and they're looking for a book that will charge up their emotions as well as their brain.• Be honest; but be tactful. If you really liked the book, say that, but if there are parts of the book that may not have sat well with you, express that as well. Why? This gives other readers the impression that you actually connected with the book and its characters or subject. And that's a tell-tale sign that it's a good book.• Leave your contact information. If you're not keen on leaving your name, at least leave your initials. And leave an email address. Some authors love to connect with their readers and bounce ideas off of them, or get them involved in developing their next book - such as book cover ideas, contests, etc.

There are plenty of authors popping up daily, and people still love to read. But if no one knows about the book, no one buys the book. And if your fave author doesn't have money to invest in keeping the books going, how can you have something to read? Leaving book reviews are like stock dividends to your authors. Help them spread the word, so that they can keep providing you with great reads.